is that the wipe option or the factory reset? the wipe option deletes the os then id have to reload the os wouldnt i? i havent got a problem ding that because its easy enough, does that clear all data?

A wipe, done either by desktop manager apploader, BBSAK or other 3rd party software will only wipe the phones internal memory, also called device memory and sometimes also labeled as on device memory.

Your external memory is ur Micro SD Card, the wipe will not affect this, whatever pictures, mp3s, videos you stored on SD will remain untouched. I'f you did do a backup of your BBM contacts from your phone to your SD card previously, this info will also remain as is. The simple thing to do is to remove your SD and SIM card also before sending for repairs. Also any contacts info saved to sim card is not affected during wipe.